This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
South Africa Shuts Down Nigeria Embassy Amid Xenophobic Tensions ¶
September 5, 2019
South Africa has taken the drastic measure of shutting down its embassy in Lagos, Nigeria, in response to ongoing xenophobic attacks that have left a trail of destruction and fear across the continent.
The decision to close the embassy was made out of concern for the safety of its employees, according to Lunga Ngqengelele, a spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Protestors had attacked the embassy, but the extent of the damage is yet to be determined. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, according to Ngqengelele.
The closure of the embassy is seen as a retaliatory measure against xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have targeted Nigerians. Businesses affiliated with South Africa, such as Shoprite and MTN, have also closed their shops in Nigeria after looters targeted their premises.
The Nigerian Government has urged its citizens to desist from attacking South African organizations, appealing to Nigerians not to retaliate against South African companies operating in Nigeria.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the reports of Nigerians attacking South African companies as 'deeply disturbing' and warned that investors in such companies, especially MTN and Shoprite, are Nigerians.
Nigerian police have increased patrols outside embassies and foreign businesses, while the Information Minister has announced that decisive measures are being taken to push for an end to the xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
President Muhammadu Buhari has dispatched a Special Envoy to convey his concerns to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and interact with him on the situation.
Nigerian VP Yemi Osinbajo has also cancelled his attendance at the World Economic Forum Africa in Cape Town, citing the current climate as the reason.
